LYKOS' POV ***During dinner***I felt a fraction of my mate's anger coursing through my veins as she glared at Nia and something told me that the unfinished conversation they spoke about earlier had something to do with it. Having been with Neilla even if for a short time had me already coming to my conclusions.She was being provoked by Nia."What was your old pack and why did you decide to leave?" Aunt Justina chose to ask. She was the one keeping the table alive with jokes and little questions here and there. Left to me, we'd have eaten our meals in dead silence. I only spoken when there was something meaningful to be said.If Axel were to be here however, the idiot would waste no time in telling all of his lame jokes. I wonder how he got women to fall for him.I looked back in Neilla's direction, waiting for her response. I honestly was waiting for her replies to know what she thought about her old pack. Normally, people spoke ill of things or other people they were formerly aff

NEILLA'S POVA mere wish I wished I never craved for because it was right after, I got the shocking news of my entire existence."Duty called," I went on. "He had to answer by showing his capacity to be future leader and officially mark me as his mate and Luna. I was to rule by his side. I know I wasn't born into a royal household, yet it didn't deter me from wanting to know the mechanics of how it worked."My mind wandered off again to the night I saw him perform the ritual on the blue moon with Venn by his side. The deceitful wench.The feeling of warm grip on my fingers reminded me that there was someone in the room still waiting for me to speak. I looked at Lykos."Look, it's fine if you can no longer talk about it. Hell, I'm fine if you decide to avoid the topic entirely."It was my turn to grip his fingers, only that mine was cold and shaky. Revisiting the past was no easy feat for any victim of trauma. Still, it was essential for the healing process to commence."I decided to t

LYKOS' POV My phone pinged, distracting me from the conversation I was having with Neilla. I took a look at the screen to find a text from Axel. He wanted me to come to the art room where I had the surprise waiting for her. Taking a few pointers from her wolf in the right direction, I learnt about her passion to paint. "I'm leaving to get a few things put in order. Make sure you're ready to go when I come back. If I can't come get you myself, I'll send Axel." I rose to my feet, my gaze on Neilla."Where are we going?" She asked, her doe eyes staring up at me from her position on the bed. It took everything in me not to pin her to it and ravage that small pouty lips of hers.The mate bond was driving me nuts and before I'd anything stupid, I switched out of that train of thought. The surprise I had in store for her superceded any other thing and should come first. "It's a little surprise for you, Agapiméni mou. Something to ward off negative thoughts and a hobby you can develop pendi

SEVEN MONTHS LATER...NEILLA'S POV"If you dare hide that piece of chocolate, you're dead!" I warned in an angry tone. Lykos had been nothing but annoying in every way, including every way he tried to help. I didn't want his help, I wanted my chocolate and if he didn't provide that, there'd be hell to pay.I tried to stand up, gripping the armchair tightly to ensure it could keep my weight and keep me from toppling over.Lykos slid the last bar of chocolate in his pocket, grinning at me as I wobbled over like a pregnant seal. He was enjoying my discomfort."Agápi, not again. I don't enjoy your discomfort. I swear it to you. You just finished the eleventh bar of chocolate and it's just five in the morning. Go to bed already." He made a move to come close, stopping for a second when he saw that I didn't want any form of cooperation. If he handed the chocolate over to me, there wouldn't be any issue. With claws extracted and eyes glowing, I gave him a look that said 'take a step closer

LYKOS' POVI couldn't bring myself to fall asleep when she did, so I laid wide awake watching the gentle rise and fall of her chest until the morning light seeped through the curtains and into the room.Every now and then, she would reach out for my fingers and grip them tightly until she fell back asleep. Sometimes, I'd brush her baby bump with my fingertips, marvelling at the movements happening afterwards. It never ceased to amaze me; watching new life move from up close.I picked up my phone by the bedside. The time on the screen read a little past eight, meaning there was still more time to arrange her meal before she woke up. Disentangling myself was no easy feat but it was my life at stake if she didn't see her breakfast early enough.After successfully extricating myself from her hold, which she unconsciously reacted to with a sound of protest and a frown, I began on my way to the wardrobe to pick a shirt. The crease on her brows smoothened and she settled back into bed. When